Film Definition and Elements

Film is a photographic material that captures visual images and sound.
The term "cinema" stems from the French word "cinematographe," meaning "movie" and "motion."
A screenplay, written by a scriptwriter, serves as the foundation of a film.
Two types of screenplays exist: Spec Scripts (pre-written by the writer) and Commissioned Scripts (written upon request).
Ricky Lee defined six elements for writing a film:
- Concept: The film's theme.
- Premise: The "What if?" question that drives excitement in the story.
- Statement: The plot elaboration.
- Millieu: Time and place of the setting.
- Characters: Bring life and dialogue to the screen.
- Structure: Organizes the entire film.
The director holds overall artistic control of the film.
Directors can specialize in specific areas like actors, visuals, or both.
Directors collaborate with producers who manage finances, promotions, and legal aspects.
Production design encompasses all visual elements on screen, including props, location, lighting, costumes, makeup, and visual effects.
The production designer ensures the set aligns with the aesthetic of the film.
Lead actors play the primary roles, while supporting actors complement them.
Extras or bit-players have minimal speaking lines.
Cinematographers handle camera work, including lighting, angles, and shot composition.
Cinematography shapes the visual style and atmosphere of each scene.
During post-production, the editor arranges scenes, often removing unnecessary shots, and connects the remaining angles to create a seamless story.
Film music enhances emotional tone, builds tension, and complements key scenes.
Film sound, including dialogue, dubbing, and silence, adds meaning to every scene.
Sound creates atmosphere and aids in storytelling.

Types of Film

Narrative Film (Commercial or Mainstream Film): Focuses on fictional characters and stories.
Documentary Film: Focuses on real people and actual events, often using interviews and real dialogues.
Experimental Film (Indie or Digital Film): Utilizes new styles and approaches in storytelling.

Film Genres

Drama: Characterized by emotional scenes, often associated with crying.
Comedy: Focuses on humor and aims to make the audience laugh, celebrating life and being alive.
Action/Adventure: Features physical struggles and risky situations.
Mystery/Crime: Creates a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere with inquisitive plot twists.
Romantic Comedy: A blend of humor and love stories.
Biography: Depicts the real-life stories of real people.
Sci-Fi/Science Fiction: Uses modern technology and futuristic gadgets as key elements.
Fantasy: Features magic, mythological creatures, and worlds beyond reality.
Horror: Dark, gothic, often associated with evil or supernatural forces.

Brief History of Film

Early films were static shots of events with no editing or cinematic techniques.
The first versions were viewing machines displaying images through paper prints on a rotating drum, known as the "peeping hole."
Silent films dominated the early film industry, without synchronized sound, often accompanied by live musicians and sound effects.
Intertitles were used for dialogue and narration in silent films.
The later introduction of synchronized sound (speech, music, sound effects) marked the Sound Era.
These films were referred to as "talkies" or talking pictures.
Color films gradually replaced black-and-white as color processes became more affordable.
By the 1960s, color became the standard for filmmaking.
The 2000s saw the rise of modern films as a commercial genre, driven by profit and sustainability.
Digital technology revolutionized filmmaking and distribution.
Platforms like YouTube and online video services increased the demand for audio-visual content.
3D films became popular during this era.

Philippine Film History

Early Beginnings (1890s-1930s): Film began with Swiss filmmakers showing film clips in the 1890s.
In 1912, two Americans created a movie about José Rizal.
José Nepomuceno is recognized as the "Father of Philippine Movies" for his 1919 film "Dalagang Bukid," which featured live sounds added by performers.
Filipino filmmakers like Vicente Salumbides and Julian Manansala emerged in the 1930s, producing films.
Golden Age of Philippine Cinema (1950s): Films became popular entertainment in Manila after Japanese liberation.
Major film studios emerged:
- LVN (comedy, metrical tales)
- Sampaguita Pictures (women-themed, komiks adaptations, musical)
- Premiere Films (action)
- Lebran (historical epics)
The first Philippine film awards, Maria Clara Awards (now FAMAS), were established.
Gerry de Leon gained international acclaim for his film "Genghis Khan."
1960s Film Era:
- Fan culture rose, featuring popular tandems like Nora Aunor & Tirso Cruz III and Vilma Santos & Bobot Mortiz.
- "Bomba" films (softcore sex films) and cowboy movies emerged.
- Martial Law (1970s): The Board of Censors for Motion Pictures (BCMP, currently MTRCB or Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) was created under Marcos.
- Brilliant filmmakers gained prominence, including:
  - Lino Brocka ("Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang," "Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag")
  - Ishmael Bernal ("Himala," "City After Dark")
  - Celso Ad Castillo, Eddie Romero, Peque Gallaga, Mario O’Hara.
1980s and Beyond:
- Barkada-themed movies and English comedies like Gosiengfiao’s "Temptation Island" and "Bagets" gained popularity.
- The film industry faced challenges due to foreign films, producers' preferences, audience taste, censorship, and entertainment tax.
Contemporary Philippine Cinema:
- Independent films are gaining popularity, blending Western and Korean influences while staying faithful to Filipino culture.
- Challenges include foreign competition, producers' control, and censorship.